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LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Free agent Karl Malone, the NBA's second-leading all-time scorer, committed Thursday to join the Los Angeles Lakers, giving them a lineup with four superstars.
Larry Miller, the owner of the Utah Jazz with whom Malone has played since 1985, said he had spoken with the forward on Thursday and Malone confirmed he intends to sign with the Lakers.
Malone joins Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and another newcomer, Gary Payton. Payton, a nine-time All-Star who agreed earlier this week to sign with the Lakers.
Even though Malone and Payton have agreed to come to Los Angeles, the first day free agents can sign contracts is Wednesday.
Both Malone, a two-time league MVP, and Payton have not played on an NBA championship team. The Lakers won the title three straight years before losing to eventual champion San Antonio in the second round this year.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
